System and method of post-cure processing of composite core

Abstract

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a cured bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a fixture, the fixture including a support and a plurality of mandrels affixed to the support, the plurality of mandrels arranged in a geometry pattern so as to align with a center of each tube member in the cured bulk composite core; 
 sliding the tube members of the cured bulk composite core onto the plurality of mandrels; and 
 cutting through each of the tube members to form the wafer; 
 wherein the plurality of mandrels are spaced to provide support to the tube member during the cutting step. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein each mandrel has a geometry that corresponds with a geometry of each tube member in the cured bulk composite core. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the wafer has an outer hexagonal shape. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of cutting through each of the tube members comprises cutting through each of the plurality of mandrels. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of cutting through each of the tube members comprises cutting through each of the tube members adjacent to an end portion of the plurality of mandrels. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mandrels are rigid. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mandrels are of a foam material. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the geometry pattern of the plurality of mandrels has an outer hexagonal shape.